Month: December 2009

I normally haven’t been writing “year in review” type posts, but this year I thought I had made significant enough improvement to Greg In The Desert to make a few notes.

I would like to think that my actual writing has improved. I have spent quite an effort on editing and I think it shows in my posts. It’s not where I would like it to be but it is better. I have also moved to dedicated hosting using WordPress and it has been a huge improvement over the previous systems I used. I wished I had switched sooner.

It was difficult to get back into writing posts when my dad died this summer, but I’ve started to pick up again in the last few months. I’ve been able to increase traffic and increase affiliate and google adsense income. It’s enough to cover the costs of hosting plus a little (maybe enough for a few tanks of gas). To better target subject matter, have considered breaking Greg In The Desert into at least two blogs with Greg In The Desert’s subject matter focusing Home Improvement and Automation.

I can see the potential to make real money on the internet by blogging. Whether I have the time needed to devote to it is another matter.

Has good running 390 4V (factory 4V car) auto. Solid body. Has Power steering and is a AC car, Looks like all the AC stuff is their but the belt was removed from the AC compressor, so I am guessing it either needs Freon or mybe new seals in the compressor. I dont know I bought it just like it sits. Did have current plates on it when I bought it, it was being driven. Good Interior. Dual Exhaust and 9 inch rear end. Good deal for only $3650.00 , Has good NM title.

A 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 that looks to be in good shape for a nearly 45 year old vehicle. For $5000 is better run.

1965 Ford Galaxie 500. 2 door hardtop. 289 with two bbl carb newly rebuilt. Runs great starts right up and is an attention getter. Orange and white paint with Orange and white interior. Calling will be a better way to get a hold of me.

A 1966 Ford Mustang with low miles and in good shape for $2500. I have to wonder why it has a salvage title.

1966 Mustang – SALVAGE Title.$2500.00, Low mileage since engine and transmission were rebuilt 6 years ago. 200cc straight 6 engine, Automatic Transmission. My sons lost interest earlier after stripping paint off of trunk and side as you can see. Small dent on passenger door and front right light shroud damaged. No rust that I could see.

While this could have been a all red Ford craiglist round up, I couldn’t resist this next car. A 1992 Buick Rivera (Rivvy on D’s?) with a gold chain steering wheel and champaign bucket for $2950. Good luck explaining that to APD.

Rio Rancho and Albuquerque received a dusting of snow overnight. The city doesn’t have the capability to sand the neighborhood roads and they are very icy at the moment. I normally don’t need much of an excuse to avoid work in the morning, this morning I have a good one.

The weather report calls for more snow in Rio Rancho but I doubt we will get any more. It looks like the southern part of the state is getting the snow this winter and the sun is starting to show here.

Update: It’s been snowing all morning, I can’t believe the weather man was right.

The transformer will be hauled by a massive, specialized truck that has 174 wheels on 24 axles and is the length of a football field, or about 300 feet. It is expected to take 8 to 10 hours for the truck to move the transformer about 12 miles from railroad tracks in Bernalillo, through Bernalillo and Rio Rancho, to the switching station currently under construction northwest of Rio Rancho.

It’s supposed to travel from the railroad in Bernallio, up 550 to 528, then from 528 to Northern Avenue to where the pavement ends. This isn’t far from my house.

It was originally schedule for Sunday however PNM doesn’t have all the road permits so it will sit on the truck until it’s moved. Hopefully I can find out when it’s been rescheduled to move so I can get some video of the event.

Update: from PNM

All permits have been secured. The transformer will be moved through Bernalillo and Rio Rancho beginning shortly after midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 22. The move is expected to take 2-3 hours, given the minimal traffic at that time.

I was up for the move but it was too dark to record video with the gear I have.

Update 2: The Associated Press had a few articles on this event. Every single news paper in the country had the same article as the local news and TV stations. I did find a little original reporting.

Release Date: December 18, 2009
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
“As expected, a large majority of states and territories—46 of 56—have informed DHS that they will not be able to meet the Dec. 31 REAL ID material compliance deadline. As the National Governors Association has said, the states have made tremendous progress in driver’s license security but simply cannot fulfill the requirements of REAL ID. That’s why Secretary Napolitano has supported the efforts of Governors and Congress to enact PASS ID, which puts states on the path to implementing national standards for identification documents and will enhance security across the country.
“In order to ensure that the millions of Americans traveling this holiday season are not disrupted, DHS is extending the Dec. 31 REAL ID material compliance deadline. The May 10, 2011, deadline for full compliance remains in effect, and the Department will continue to work closely with states to meet this deadline. However, Congress must act to address systemic problems with the REAL ID Act to advance our security interests over the long term. DHS is committed to moving forward to implement this key 9/11 Commission recommendation—just last week, the Department announced the availability of $48 million to states for the Drivers License Security Grant Program, to help prevent terrorism, reduce fraud, and improve the reliability and accuracy of personal identification documents.”